Santorum joined those opposing President Barack Obama’s order requiring religious institutions to provide free birth control coverage to their employees. And he supported the defeated Blunt amendment, which would allow employers to deny contraception coverage. But that doesn’t mean the former Pennsylvania senator is anti-contraception, Karen said.

“Women have nothing to fear when it comes to contraceptives. He will do nothing on that issue. The real issue was . . . not allowing the government to be intrusive in our lives and force us to do something against our consciences.”

Karen Santorum said her husband has been very supportive of her work, such as the two books she authored. “When I was doing my book tours Rick was the one who was home changing diapers, making meals, and cleaning the kitchen,” Karen said. “He’s been 100 percent supportive of my career . . . It makes me really sad that the media tries to make him look like something he’s not.”